Stretching across 65 miles of coastline, extending south from
the Gulf of Salerno in Campania down to the border of the Basilicata region,
the stunning Cilento Coast has much to offer. You will experience the thrill of
discovering tiny picturesque villages, the 7th-century Greek temples
of Paestum and the beautiful wildlife of one of Italy’s largest nature reserves,
Cilento National Park. The region’s natural beauty, hospitality and charm
attract tourists who are looking to delve deeper and discover the real flavour
of southern Italy. Enjoy the crystal-clear sea surrounded by lush pine groves
and the pristine sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. The area
is famous for its delicious olive oil, white figs, buffalo mozzarella and the
artichoke of Paestum, all of which you can enjoy sampling!

The Walking

This trek offers all the spectacular views of the coastline,
but in addition it leaves the sea to discover unspoilt and traditional villages
where time has seemingly stood still. Most of the walks are on good paths, some
of them recently restored by the local authorities. Other sections of the route
have a rough surface with some dusty or stony parts. Some sections are
waymarked, elsewhere your maps will provide and our notes you with all the
information you need to find your way.

Luggage Transfer

The luggage is transferred for you from hotel to hotel,
leaving you free to travel with a day rucksack only.

We offer on this trek
mostly 3* hotels, with two nights in a comfortable guesthouse. The hotels are all small and family-run, chosen
for their location and friendliness. All rooms have private bathroom, mostly with
showers. You will be assured of dinner with local specialities and a buffet-style
continental breakfast.

Here is a brief description of our
normal hotels, however, if full, we may change the hotel to something similar.

Day 1: On arrival
at Naples Airport, you will catch a bus to Naples railway station (paid
locally). Then take a train to Capaccio (included) where you will be collected
and transferred to your first hotel in Paestum, located only a few hundred
metres from the Greek temples. You will soon be able to see why they are known
as some of the best preserved temples in Europe! After visiting these fascinating
archaeological sites, you can walk back to your hotel and enjoy a dinner of
tasty local cuisine. Overnight Paestum.

Day 2: Today you
will make a short train journey to Agropoli (approx €1.80 payable locally) where
you will begin your wonderful walk along the headland of Punta Tresino, one of
the last remaining stretches of pristine coastline. You will pass through a
genuine Mediterranean landscape, enjoying stunning beaches and an ancient Roman
harbour with fantastic views over the sea. You will then reach the abandoned
village of San Giovanni where you can sample some of the best white wine that
is produced here. Descend to a large sandy beach and a charming fishing harbour
where you can enjoy a leisurely swim or indulge in a delicious gelato on the beach while you are
waiting to be collected and transferred to your hotel high in the mountains in
the fortified village of Rocca Cilento where you will stay for two nights. Overnight Rocca Cilento.

Ascent: 350m. Descent: 375m. Distance: 10.25 miles. Time: 8
hours.

Day 3: From here you will make a circular walk from Rocca Cilento which will bring you
to some of the most interesting villages in the area. Parts of the walk follow
the old route that used to connect this valley to the Greek cities of Paestum
and Velia. First you will cross a ridge, with wonderful views on both sides, to
a tiny medieval village. You will then descend into the ‘Valley of the Mills’
along a beautiful restored footpath where you will notice the remains of at
least 17 mills. Cross the flowing Fiumara River before climbing up to a
delightful little hamlet with stunning bell towers. The path then descends into
the valley again and passes an intriguing abandoned village. A short but steep
climb leads you onto the ridge and past the monastery of Mercato Cilento where
you will follow a dirt road with panoramic views back to Rocca Cilento,
dominated by its fine castle. Overnight Rocca Cilento.

Ascent: 650m. Descent: 650m. Distance: 8 1/4 miles. Time: 5
hours.

Day 4: Today’s
walk has stunning vistas as you cross the ridge of Mt. Stella surrounded by a
ring of charming medieval villages. After a short transfer, you will arrive at
Perdifumo where you will begin your short walk in a chestnut forest. Once you
reach the ridge, you will have far-reaching views to the island of Capri and
the Amalfi Coast, to Capo Palinuro, and sometimes even to the island of
Stromboli in Sicily. You will pass an abandoned fortress that dates back to
pre-Roman times before reaching the Virgin of Monte Stella chapel. From here
you will make a long descent towards the coast, passing several medieval
villages all beautifully located on hilltops overlooking the sea. Then head
down to a pretty fishing village with a sandy beach, one of Ernest Hemingway’s
favourite places. Here you can enjoy a swim before taking the bus to the
village of San Marco di Castellabate (payable locally) where you will stay in a
comfortable family-run hotel for two nights where you will be re-united with
your luggage. Overnight San Marco di Castellabate.

Please note that on walk day 4 there is an essential bus
service from Acciaroli to San Marco that does not run on Sundays outside
of July & August. This will affect walkers beginning our standard
trek on a Wednesday, in which case a transfer is required at 30 euros
per car, booked through our local partners and payable locally.

Day 5: You
will start with a circular walk from your hotel, passing through traditional
Mediterranean vegetation to an enchanting spot where the sea breeze makes the
trees dance, bound to Ulysses’ myth. Firstly make your way through pine forest
until you come to a ridge with several watchtowers from where you can observe
the whole area. Through a pleasing agricultural landscape, you descend to the
coast and then to the very tip of the headland. Along the coast, there are plenty
of opportunities for a swim. This beautiful coastal path will bring you back to
the harbour of San Marco. Overnight San Marco di Castellabate.

Day 6: From San Marco, a short transfer will bring you to the mythical headland of Cape Palinuro. Here you can take a great scenic walk, with views to some stunning beaches. Here you will be met
by your taxi for another short transfer to Palinuro where you can enjoy a circular
walk on the mythical headland. From here, the route climbs gently up into the hills
with spectacular views over the blue Mediterranean. You’ll pass the ruins of
farmsteads, the chapel of Sant’ Iconio, forest and scrubland before descending
to a charming village with a clear South American influence. The final stretch
of the day is along the coast and includes several lovely beaches where you can
enjoy a swim. You will stay in a pleasant hotel in the village for two nights. Enjoy
your dinner in the peaceful garden. Overnight Marina di Camerota.

Day 7: Today
is an unforgettable experience and will certainly be a highlight of your week.
You will enjoy a coastal walk along one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline
in Italy with the cleanest seawater (Blue Flag). This is the so-called Costa
degli Infreschi, named after the Roman harbour of Porto degli Infreschi where
you can find a freshwater spring in a grotto. There is superb sightseeing on
the ancient footpath that starts at your hotel and continues along the harbour,
past a series of grottos and beaches until you reach the first medieval
watchtower. From here you have a short climb, continuing through olive groves
and scrubland. You will then descend to the next inlet which is reminiscent of
the empty beaches of a tropical island. Here, lunch can be cooked by the local
fishermen. Return either on foot or opt for a wonderful boat ride to take you
back to Marina di Camerota. The boat ride is at an additional cost but is highly
recommended as you will have the unique experience of entering grottos full of shimmering
light and observing fascinating limestone walls that are accessible only from
the sea.Overnight Marina di Camerota.

The nearest airport is Naples, with flights from many cities
in the UK. From the airport take a bus (paid locally) to Naples railway station,
then take a train (included) to Capaccio. Here you will be transferred to and
from the first and last trek hotels.

Cilento Coastal Trek

·4 Nights accommodation in a standard room with
half board* and 3 Nights with bed and breakfast

·Outward rail ticket from Naples City to Paestum

·Return journey rail ticket from Pisciotta to
Naples City

·Transfers from Paestum rail station to first
trek hotel and transfer from last trek hotel to Pisciotta rail station

·Baggage transfers between the hotels (1 bag per
person @20kg)

·Our unique walking booklet written by one of
our team and local walking maps

*Half board is dinner, bed and
breakfast

Optional:

·Choose to experience a unique boat trip on your
last day to explore countless grottos, small sandy beaches and the shimmering
cobalt blue water, only accessible by small boat (payable locally,
approximately €10). Alternative is to walk back to your accommodation.

·'With flights' includes typical flight prices*
between London and Naples airport. Flights are also available from many local
airports (exact price for your dates available on request).